Term
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Definition
- Long, harsh, cold winter; short “summer”; 4”-10” rain
- Poor soil
- No amphibians or reptiles; only warm-blooded animals
- Slow to regenerate |
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Term
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Definition
- Largest biome; extensive lumber resource
- Long severe winter; short growing season; 20” rain
- Acidic soil; some deep permafrost |
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Term
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Definition
- Washington/Oregon/N. California; lumber and pulpwood source
- Mild winters; cool summers; 80”-150” rain
- Poor nutrients, some organic material; nutrients leached by rain |
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Term
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Definition
- Hot summers; cold winters; 30”-50” rain
- Topsoil rich in organic material
- All types of animals
- Most converted to farms; intensive use -> less fertile |
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Term
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Definition
- Hot summers; cold winters; 10”-30” rain, sometimes drought
- Deep and rich soil
- Prairie grasses; occasional trees
- Rarest biome; most converted to farms (90% in America) |
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Term
| Tropical Grasslands/Savanna |
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Definition
- Temperature varies little; seasons regulated by precipitation; 34”-60” rain
- Low in nutrients/minerals partly due to leaching
- Susceptible to desertification from overgrazing |
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Term
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Definition
- Both temperate (cold) and tropical (hot) areas
- Temperature extremes; less than 10” rain
- Poor in organic material; high mineralization |
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Term
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Definition
- Dry forest (60”-80” rain); rain forest (80”-120” rain)
- Warm, moist climate
- Poor soil; most nutrients locked in living tissue
- Highest productivity and biodiversity |
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